Back in the game ladies! As we all get ready for friends, homework and (hopefully) no drama, I pray that this semester is one filled with love, friendship, peace, and joy. I pray that you all reach for the stars and make your dreams come true. And, I pray that you will know that you are worthy and loved.

Okay, so you know the drill. On New Year’s day, you resolve to exercise, eat better, get up earlier, be nicer to your parents, etc. On New Year’s day, you are all about it. The next day, you work that resolution out. But then the next day comes and….crickets.

Don’t feel bad. You’re not the only one to get afflicted with ‘I-can’t-keep-a-resolution-itis’. But, while we might not have the cure, we do have some tips that will make it easier to keep those resolutions.

1. Check your resolutions
Are you someone who has to make approximately 50 resolutions on New Year’s Day? No wonder you can’t keep them. The easiest way to make sure you keep your New Year’s resolutions is to not make too many resolutions to begin with. I always suggest making one, tiny resolution that you can stick with. If you absolutely, positively must have more than one resolution, then don’t have more than three. Any more than that and you will burn out. Trust.

2. Keep ’em simple and specific
I know you want to save the world, lose 30 pounds and/or nab the cute guy all at the same time this year, but another way to make sure to keep your resolutions is to keep the resolutions you make simple. Resolutions should be something that is relatively easy for you to do and keep doing. For example, ‘I will keep my room clean everyday,’ might be too hard of a resolution to make if you have never kept your room clean a day in your life. Try, ‘I will make my bed every day’ instead. Or instead of saying, ‘I will eat healthy,’ try ‘I will eat one piece of fruit’ everyday. Resolutions that are simple and specific are easier to keep than those that are not. Check out this link for more information about how to make good resolutions.

3. Write them down and post them up
Writing your goals down makes them tangible and real. So don’t just think of the resolution. Write it down and then hang it in a place where you will see it each day. Whether on your wall, on your locker, on your mirror…hang that resolution so you never forget it.

4. Track them.
To take your resolutions to the next level, make sure you are tracking them. This is easy. You can use a calendar and simply write a checkmark on the days when you met your resolution. Or you can use a goal-keeping app, like Way of Life, Everest, or Goal Tracker to keep track of your resolutions.

5. Get accountability
Another way to ensure that you keep those resolutions is to have other people in your corner reminding you of your resolutions. So think of someone you trust who can help you keep your resolution and let them know about your resolution. Ask the person to remind you of your resolution and ask them to keep you in check when you veer off course.

With these five adjustments, you will be more likely to stick to your resolutions this year. Now make it happen!

1. Make those resolutionsMaking New Year’s Resolutions is a tried-and-true way of starting the year on a great foot. But don’t just think about your New Year’s resolutions…write them down. Writing down your goals and dreams is a way of making the resolution real. Wanna take your resolutions to the next step? Then post that resolution on your wall, in your locker…or any other place where you will be sure to see it everyday. Having your resolution stare you in the face will help you to get it done.

2. Send love.Call or text people you know to wish them a Happy New Years. This is a great way to connect with people you may not have connected with much during the past year.

3. Out with the Old…In with the New
Clean your closet. Take out all your old clothes that you no longer want to wear, and dream up the wardrobe changes that you may want to make in the New Year. Maybe now’s the time to buy that funky piece of jewelry or new sweater that you’ve been looking at. The New Year is also a good time to go around your room and discard things (like gifts from ex’s) that you don’t need cluttering up your life anymore.

4. Be grateful
Take some time to thank God for the blessings you’ve received in the past year. If the past year was horrible, take some time to be grateful that God brought you through it.

5. Dream a little
Take some time to dream big dreams and plan new adventures for the upcoming year. Then think of ways to make it happen girl!